Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I am planning to own a dobe in a few months time and i wanted to have answers to a few questions before i owned one. I live in an apartment in Bombay in India and both my wife and i are out on work for about 6-8 hours. I plan to have a keeper staying with us to look after the dog when we are at work. I wanted to check if that is alright. This is the quesiton that has been doing the rounds in my mind and driving me crazy. Also, if i dont have a keeper and the dog stays alone for that time, will that be ok. Please send me a reply cause i am dying to own one and i want to be sure that i am doing the right thing..!!

Thanks in anticipation..!!
Shri

For an adult dog, leaving them for 6 to 8 hours at a time safely confined is fine. For a puppy, having someone take care of him at least every 3 or 4 hours is necesary. I'd hire someone I could trust completely, and give extensive instructions, but really, there should be no problem with the scenario you described.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Both my husband and I work full time. We have raised several pups successfully. It is helpful if there is someone that can stop by and take the pup out at least once a day, preferrably twice.

I would however recommend that when you pick up your pup, do it on a Friday so you have a few days to get him/her into a little bit of a routine. They catch on rather quickly.

Good luck with your dobie-girl/boy

Pam and the dobie crew

I don't recommend a Doberman as an Apt dog. They need a ton of exercise and can become very distructive to your belongings if they don't get it. Leash walks are not enough for this breed - they need space to run and play in.

I understand that where you live is very urban and most people live in apartments. There are breeds out there that would do better in your small space - even some decent sized dogs that don't need a large amount of exercise like a Doberman.

As far as the time left. An adult dog that is well trained can do fine in that 6-8 hour window, but a puppy would need to get out at least once for potty, snack, and expercise.